Open Circle offering online supports

How Can I Make a Difference?

An ONLINE panel discussion on balancing career, calling and contribution.

Thursday, March 19, 6 to 8 p.m.

Wondering how to blend work, leisure, and community involvement to create a fulfilling and meaningful life? Want to discover what you can do to act and hopeful when faced with the world’s big problems? This informal panel discussion will feature short talks and discussion with individuals from all walks of life who will share their stories on how they find a sense of meaning and purpose in their careers, volunteer work, and lifestyles. Join us to explore new ways in which you can make a difference in your community! Share ideas for how to continue to be engaged in community during this time of social distancing.

Panelists include:

• Gladys Flores, Educational programming coordinator at LAF program for at-risk youth in North End Hamilton
• Jenn Payne, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, mother, and sobriety coach
• Lina El Ali, Newcomer Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, Wesley Urban Ministries

Join the event online at webex.

ONLINE Reflection Circles

Reflection Circles are a safe space for connecting with yourself and others in an atmosphere of respect and awakening to your authentic life through exploring mindfulness practice, creative expression, and discussion. You are welcome to attend any week – no need to signup! More info: www.OpenCircle.mcmaster.ca/reflection-circles or hear a participant’s experience: https://youtu.be/0-ucD-XUDJ4

Body, Mind, Spirit Circle
Reorient to Your Personal Daily Rhythm: During this disorienting sudden change to classes and extracurricular activity, discover the practices and rhythm for daily life that supports your best self. Through discussion, hearing ideas from others, and a journaling exercise, listen for what you need at this unique time of uncertainty and newness as you finish the term strong. This is a supportive space for journaling, reflecting, and sharing about our journeys and questions in an atmosphere of respect and openness.

Dates: Wednesday, March 18 and continuing weekly

Time: 3:30 to 4:20 p.m.

Join the Body, Mind, Spirit Circle online at Webex.

Creativity Circle 
Centering during Uncertainty: What do you want? What are your biggest hopes and fears? How can you ground yourself in these quickly changing times? How can you be present to your current situation and feelings? Who do you want to become? Explore these and other questions through free writing, followed by a playful expressive game to find new perspectives on our hopes, uncertainties and fears.  Create a temporary symbol for grounding from found objects that you happen to have with you. No artistic skill or experience required!

Dates: Thursday, March 19 and continuing weekly

Time: 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. –

Join the Creativity Circle online at Webex.

Meditation Circle
Present Moment Awareness: Join us to learn mindfulness practices and to support each other in being present in our current situation. Each session begins with a check-in about our experience of the past week, then a meditation practice is introduced and guided for 15-20 minutes of practice, followed by an opportunity to discuss any questions or insights. Each week we explore a different mindfulness practice including breath awareness, guided imagery, and other activities that the group wishes to experience.  No experience necessary – whether you are new to meditation or already engaging in regular reflection, having the support of a group can help to strengthen your practice.

Dates: Monday, March 23 and continuing weekly

Time: 3:30 to 4:20 p.m.

Join the Meditation Circle online at Webex.

What can I expect at a Reflection Circle?

• A judgement free, respectful, and confidential space where everyone is welcomed to share or pass
• Opening quotation to set the tone for the activity and reflection
• Introductions and brief, no-pressure icebreaker activity
• Check-in about how your week has been so far
• 15-20-minute practice that relates to a different theme each week
• Time for reflection and discussion
• Drop in with no commitment required (please arrive on time to honour the group’s process)
• You do not need to sign up or be part of Open Circle to attend a Reflection Circle

Spiritual Companioning ONLINE

Times: flexible

Currently only available online with Open Circle resource staff who are trained to offer a type of mentoring where you can listen to your life through a reflective individual conversation on whatever you wish to discuss or reflect on (such as direction in life, spirituality, stress or time management, how to live our your values, spiritual practices, etc.)

For more info about spiritual companioning, visit Open Circle McMaster.

Open Circle McMaster contacts:

• Jeff at jdruery@mcmaster.ca or
• Marybeth – leismb@mcmaster.ca

Open Circle… www.OpenCircle.mcmaster.ca